Question
I read your report on the sticky leaf and have ordered Brand X Foliage Cleaner as suggested.  I have been spraying the leaves with Rubbing Alcohol and water on the advice of our office plant lady.  This gorgeous tree (7 feet) was to be thrown away due to the sticky leaf problem and so I rescued it from certain death.  I have never been able to keep a plant alive for long and so haven't lived with one for years.  Can you provide your best advice for keeping this poor guy alive and bug free.  ie, can it handle the window being open at night in winter?  How much to water and feed?  Can it get by with non-direct sunlight.  It's probably too early to tell but I think it likes me.  4 days and all it's stickly little leaves are hanging on.

Answer
Lorie,

He is okay down to 50 degrees and I am surprised if you keeep it colder than that in the winter.  Put him in a room that you do not open the window. You can supplement the light with a flourescent spot light on 14 hours a day. It would be good if he got some sun for at least a couple hours a day. You can continue using the Alcohol on him whenever you see any signs of insects. That will kill insects on contact as long as you watch for them closely that will work. They do like it cooler in the winter than summer and cooler at night than during the day which they don't get in most people's homes. Good luck if you decide to keep him.

Darlene

Lorrie,

There is a systemic insecticide you can use to protect the tree for 12 months against insects. It is Bayer Advanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Insecticide. Apply it on a Friday just before leaving work for the weekend as it does have a chemical oder which some office workers may find offensive or wait tillyou can take the tree outside.  By Monday the oder will dissipate.

No, he can't handle the window being open at night in winter. He is tropical and can't stand temperatures below 50 degrees. He does need lots of sun, think Florida, and he needsw to dry out very well between waterings. You need to water no more than once a week and do not allow the plant to sit with a drain tray full of water for long periods or it will rot the roots. A ficus is not a swamp plant, it cannot stand to be constantly wet. If you have more questions write again. Good luck.

Darlene